Student Research Assistant - Prison Education

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the Universitys mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgias Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the Universitys students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

Job Description:

To assist with the team of a new university-affiliated academic journal focused on showcasing the academic work of incarcerated college students.

Job Summary:

The University¿s Prison Education Department is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable undergraduate student for a part-time assistant position. This role involves providing essential clerical support to the Project Leads in the production of a journal featuring prose, narrative, and art from incarcerated students. This position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academic publishing and an understanding of the unique landscape of postsecondary education in carceral environments. The student will have a faculty-mentored experience suitable for inclusion in a professional portfolio or a project that they can present and put on their résumé.

Responsibilities

• Specific elements include, but are not limited to:

¿ Typing and Transcription: Accurately type handwritten or dictated essays and manuscripts submitted by incarcerated students into digital formats using Microsoft Word.

¿ Proofreading and Editing: Review typed content for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors, ensuring adherence to the journals style guide and maintaining the authors¿ original voice and content.

¿ Data Entry and File Management: Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems for manuscripts, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

¿ General Assistance: Perform general clerical support to the Project Leads, including scanning, copying, running on-campus errors.

Required Qualifications

• Be enrolled at UWG with a minimum of 6 credit hours
• Completion of ENGL 1101 and 1102, or the equivalent, with at least a B
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all previous and current undergraduate coursework.
• Available to be on campus.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Inside/office at the Prison Education Building

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred, but certainly not required: Prior experience in an office setting, publishing, or an interest in criminal justice or education programs.

Required Documents to Attach

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in typing and data entry.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn new software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Special Applicant Instructions

To Apply:

Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and a list of their available working hours to Dr. Tiffany Parsons (email: tparsons@westga.edu) by Friday August 28.

The cover letter should specifically address how your skills and experience are applicable to the requirements of this position, with a focus on your attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.